Venom: The Last Dance—directed by Kelly Marcel and starring Tom Hardy—is the final installment in the Venom franchise, delivering a thrilling and emotional ride that stands out as one of the strongest entries in both the film series and Sony’s Spider-Verse.

Eddie and Venom's Bond

In Venom: The Last Dance, the bond between Eddie Brock and Venom is more profound and nuanced than ever before. Hardy's portrayal of Eddie, a man struggling with his inner demons, and Venom, the wisecracking symbiote, is both heartfelt and humorous without losing any steam. Their relationship evolves from mere survival to a genuine partnership, with moments of vulnerability and strength that resonate deeply with the audience. Hardy's ability to convey Eddie's internal conflicts and his evolving acceptance of Venom is a testament to his established skillset as an actor. The film perfectly explores their unique dynamic, highlighting how their bond is forged through shared struggles and mutual respect — culminating in an emotional final act.

One of the standout moments in the movie is when Eddie and Venom face a life-altering (and life-ending) event that tests their bond and reiterates how close the pair has become in this satisfying trilogy. By the time the dust settles, Venom's protective nature over Eddie adds layers to their relationship, moving beyond the typical superhero and sidekick trope to something more akin to a deep, unconventional friendship.

Plenty of Heart

Despite its action-packed sequences and accessible themes, Venom: The Last Dance is surprisingly filled with heart. The film balances reflective moments with comedic elements, creating a well-rounded narrative that appeals to a wide audience. For example, Eddie's journey of untethered self-discovery and redemption is portrayed with tangible sincerity — while Venom's humorous quips and interest in humanity provide much-needed levity. The screenplay's ability to seamlessly blend humor and emotion is evidence of the writing team's skill (Hardy and Marcel), making the characters relatable and their struggles poignant.

One of the most touching aspects of the film is Eddie's struggle to reconcile his purpose with Venom's powerful, often violent, nature. This internal conflict is beautifully portrayed through quiet moments of introspection, where Eddie grapples with his sense of identity and direction. These scenes are interspersed with Venom's comedic interventions, which not only lighten the mood but also highlight the symbiote's unique perspective on human life.

The film also delves into themes of acceptance and self-worth. Eddie's journey is as much about accepting himself as it is about accepting Venom. This dual narrative adds depth to the story, making it resonate on a more personal level with the audience.

An Emotional Ending with a Glimmer of Hope

The conclusion of Venom: The Last Dance is both emotional and slightly hopeful. As Eddie and Venom face their greatest challenge, the film delivers a heavy resolution that ties up the majority of any loose ends while leaving a dash of optimism about the characters’ futures whether it’s onscreen or not.

The climax of the film is a rollercoaster of emotions, with high-stakes symbiote battles and personal sacrifices that underscore the depth of Eddie and Venom's overarching journey. Eddie's final moments in the film are particularly impactful, masterfully summarizing his journey and the vast scope of lessons learned along the way. It's a moment that hits just as hard as some of the stronger Marvel Studios films, leaving viewers with a sense of closure but also an eagerness for what lies ahead. Overall, the film's ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to the compelling storytelling and the strength of Hardy's performance.

Score: 8/10

Venom: The Last Dance is an impressive addition to the Marvel/Sony roster, with a potent blend of action, humor, and heart. However, we’re not quite ready to see Eddie and Venom depart just yet.